Published Works

Books by Whitman

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BEGINNING MY STUDIES.

BEGINNING my studies, the first step pleas'd me so
much,

The mere fact, consciousness—these forms—the power
of motion,

The least insect or animal—the senses—eyesight—
love;

The first step, I say, aw'd me and pleas'd me so much,

I have hardly gone, and hardly wish'd to go, any far-
ther,

But stop and loiter all the time, to sing it in extatic
songs.

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